Formulation of Pomegranate Seed Oil: A Promising Approach of Improving Stability and Health-Promoting Properties

Emerging evidence has suggested that nutraceutical ingredients like pomegranate seed oil (PSO) possesses health-promoting effects in cell and animal models. However, these health benefits (anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and so on) are limited by low physicochemical stability, slow intestinal absorption, and rapid metabolism of PSO. In order to overcome these drawbacks, some carriers viz., nanoemulsion, encapsulation, and nanoparticles are developed recently. This paper assesses the chemical compositions and physicochemical properties of PSO, as well as biological activities and possible mechanisms. It also discusses the formulation of PSO for improved stability and health-promoting activities. Practical Applications: This review highlights the prospects of PSO formulation. The relevance of this study is that the stability and biological properties of PSO could be enhanced through nanocarriers. A formulated PSO has a potential use in nutraceutical, functional foods, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. PSO, a source of various nutrients and antioxidants with immense benefits to human health is incorporated into nanocarriers such as microencapsulation, nanoemulsion and nanoparticle. This improved the health-promoting benefits of the oil.